Mario Peserico, CEO of Eberhard & Co

Mario Peserico is Italian charm personified. Tall, slender, strikingly handsome, always smiling and able to win people over in a great many languages, this youthful 52-year-old nonetheless cultivates humility and discretion. A former top-level rugby player in his native Italy, at a time when David Campese was playing in that up-and-coming league, this married Milanese father of one entered the watch industry in 1993 at… Eberhard & Co. It was within this independent, family-owned brand, which in 130 years of existence has belonged to only two families, that Mario Peserico climbed every rung of a career rich in experience, before becoming its Managing Director in 2010.

He now oversees the destiny and development of Eberhard & Co alongside Barbara Monti, the owner and heir of her father, Palmiro Monti, who acquired the house in 1969, the year quartz watches were launched. Having weathered the crisis that followed this upheaval in the Swiss watch industry, Eberhard & Co is today enjoying success and collecting awards with the loyal and charismatic Mario Peserico at its helm. The La Chaux de Fonds brand, winner at the 2016 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève with its Scafograf 300 priced at CHF 2,500, can take pride in making original watches that are recognisable among all others, with a respectable output of 20,000 pieces a year. The result of a high-performing duo leading a company that knows how to take its time while moving with the times. Meet a man whose passion is matched only by his wisdom.

Which watch are you wearing for this interview?

Right now I’m wearing a Scafograf GMT, the latest addition to the collection of diving watches from the 1950s, relaunched with great success in 2016 with the Scafograf 300, which won the “Sports Watch” prize at the prestigious GPHG.

What is your greatest achievement in watchmaking?

In horological terms, the Chrono 4 patent, a unique and inimitable chronograph. On the business side, we are very proud to have preserved the independence of both the company and the brand.

What is your favourite watch complication?

I love useful complications. So without a doubt I would say the chronograph, and in particular the Chrono 4, distinguished by its exclusive four horizontally aligned counters, which allow immediate, sequential reading of elapsed time. It is a device patented by Eberhard & Co.

What passions do you have besides watchmaking?

I enjoy all sports, especially rugby. I am also passionate about wine, gastronomy and contemporary art.

What is your dream car?

It hasn’t been invented yet. It will be the one that never needs servicing or maintenance.

What is your favourite wine?

I have a particular fondness for white Burgundies.

How would you define luxury?

In light of what has happened over the past few years, I think that today luxury means being able to afford to satisfy your own needs, whatever they may be. Personally, as for many people, my luxury is also spending a little time with my family.

Which brand, watch or otherwise, best embodies luxury in your view?

Precisely because I believe the concept of luxury has changed a great deal, I think the brands that best embody this new idea today are those that stay true to themselves and never betray their customers’ expectations.

Which historical or contemporary figure inspires you?

To name a contemporary figure, without a doubt Barack Obama. He is a man who knew how to exercise leadership without ever losing his humanity. A quality that becomes all the more evident when you compare him with his successor.

Which quality do you most appreciate in others, and which flaw do you regret having?

I think my main flaw is impatience, although that question really ought to be put to someone who knows me better. What I greatly appreciate in other people is the ability to communicate directly, without beating around the bush and without hypocrisy.

Is there a quotation you are particularly fond of?

How did it get so late so soon? (Dr Seuss)

What time is it?

Always an hour too late!